When you see a model train running, if it has more then one of the same engine, do you look to see if they have different numbers?
I do, but then I’m one of those wicked “rivet counters” who likes to see things (moderately) correct.
Actually, what I should have said is: I don’t because that is “rivet counting.”
If you notice that a rail’s locomotives are running without hand rails you’re “rivet counting.” Here in the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west, where we have such things, after a “burn” Aspen will root faster than Pine but eventually Pine will take hold and crowd the Aspen into oblivion; if you notice (mature) Pine coexisting with Aspen on the same slopes you are “rivet counting.” I think you have a very nice stack train; I am not impressed by the fact that you are lugging it with a Big Boy. That is anachronistic which is another term for “rivet counting.” It’s your pike and you can do with it what you please; certain practices are, however, going to cause me to raise my eyebrows - but then I am a “rivet counter extraordinaire.”
[#ditto]
I’ve renumbered most of the engines I run so they are unique and have less chance to get accidently acquired by some one assembling a dcc consist . I have found it is easier to renumber locos than cars (I still run a 30+ car train of PFE refer cars with about 6 different numbers).
I’ve got 2 old Milwaukee F-7’s with the same number. Since I run DCC, I decided one would be the original 2876 and the other would be 2870. Applying the 3-foot rule and my 59-year-old eyballs, I can’t tell the different.
I changed the numbers on all of mine that were numbered the same. It is just a personal preference and easy to do.
Hauling that stack train with a Big Boy is anachronistic. Hauling it with a Challenger numbered 3985 is (or was) a photo op.
Changing pre-painted engine numbers is the beginning of a process that ends when you obsess about the exact color of the rust streaks on the coupler faces. How far you want to travel on that particular path, or whether you choose to follow it at all, is a very personal decision. If it’s fun, it’s right! If it feels too much like work, it probably isn’t.
In my case, the engine numbers are posted on polished brass plaques rather like historical markers. Each of mine is different, because my operating scheme demands it. I can’t assign D50380 to replace EF1213 on through freight 8823re at Tomikawa if it’s already in staging at Takami.
Of course, that’s another area of obsessive “rivet counting.” I do it, but that doesn’t mean you have to.
Chuck
Well if they are 2 B&O F3 A units in the origional numbering they are the same. No wonder B&O renumbered them in 1956. Must have been tough when they were in for service.
Bob K.